Kellie Armstrong MLA has confirmed Alliance’s commitment to integrated education, as a major organisation wrote a letter to Stormont leaders calling for a shared future.

The Strangford MLA was speaking after the open letter from the Integrated Education Fund, which reminded the parties of previous Government pledges in relation to a united community.

It refers to the Together: Building a United Community strategy, as well as the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child urging more to be done to tackle segregated education in Northern Ireland.

“Alliance has sought clarification from the Treasury regarding the money previously specified in the Fresh Start deal, to ensure those commitments to integrated education are maintained,” said Ms Armstrong.

“We call upon other parties to commit to progressing opportunity for all children to be able to access integrated education, as stated in a number of manifestos. If we are to achieve a Northern Ireland where everyone is respected, then why not start by respecting parents’ wishes to have children educated together.

“Alliance has been the only party to persistently and consistently put the case for integrated education forward in these talks. Integrated education remains core to Alliance’s position of an inclusive Northern Ireland, and we need to make sure it is future-proofed for generations to come.”